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21 Tips for First Time Fathers and Dads-to-Be

For Father’s Day, we asked Brixy store owners, many of whom are dads, to share some tips for first time dads and dads-to-be. Here’s what they had to say.

1. When the baby comes, pick at least one household appliance (washer, dishwasher, vacuum, etc) and own it and all the tasks involved around it. Baby Blossom – Fairfax, VA

2. Let mom go and spend the day away from home on Sundays. You’ll get points for giving her a much needed day off, and train your baby to love watching football with you at the same time. Baby’s 1st – Houston, TX

5. The piece of advice that I always give is that you get much further with kindness than sternness. You can’t stop from getting frustrated or exasperated as a parent. There is a lot of pressure to “get it right.” You may be tempted to yell or be stern. Though there is definitely a (limited) time and place for that, in my experience you’re better off using warmth, kindness and likability to make life-long connections with your kids. Magicbeans – Boston, MA

8. You won’t know what you are doing and that is okay. Just put forth effort in helping your significant other master motherhood and it will fall into place. The Kangaroo Pouch – Myrtle Beach, SC

9. I have often sat next to a dad-to-be trying out a chair and told him one day he will sit in that chair and remember what this grey headed grandfather told him. Enjoy every stage in this child’s life. Some will be challenging but make them fun. Make memories along the way and then you too will be smiling while wondering how time went by so fast. Storkland and Kids, Too! – Oklahoma City, OK

10. Travel with your kids. It is not difficult or overwhelming. It is incredible and memorable. Don’t listen to what anyone else may tell you. When you are away, there is nowhere you have to be at a specific time. Last minute poop? No stress. Baby needs a right nap now? Ok, let’s do it. The schedule-free life where other people are catering to you for a change, allows you to really enjoy your family in a way that is often difficult in the craziness at home. Just make sure to choose the right destination and gear. NessaLee Baby – Manalapan, NJ

12. Each and every day take intentional quiet time with your child without electronics. Read to him/her, sing him/her a song, or just ask him/ her how his/her day was. It’s the quiet moments of listening, teaching, and enriching a child that add up to make a big impact on his/her life. babyPHASES – Bend, OR

16. Don’t lose you. It is really easy to devote all of your time, thoughts and effort to being the best parent you can be and that is obviously extremely important. Just make sure you still take some time to do a little bit of the things you enjoy, without kids. It could be a sport, a tv show or a simple hobby. It doesn’t make you any less of a great father. If anything, It will make you better. Make sure your partner gets that time too! NessaLee Baby – Manalapan, NJ

18. Be present. Your kids don’t care what you do with them, just that you’re doing it with them. Tadpole – Boston, MA

19. Tell your wife she’s doing a good job and that you’re proud of her. She is questioning her own abilities as much as you might question your own during this time of transition. She needs to know that you believe in her. Crib & Kids – San Antonio, TX